They were once the envy of the town as a picture-perfect couple in the entertainment industry but that has come to a sad end. Actors Nolwazi Shange and Mzwandile Ngubeni parted ways after being together for 13 years.

FALLING IN LOVE

They first met in 2010 on set and it was love at first sight for Mzwandile. He shared in a previous interview about how he felt when he met his equal. They dated for six years before getting married in 2016. Nolwazi and Mzwandile said "I do" in a beautiful weekend-long traditional wedding held in Durban. Mzwandile said their union felt right and he knew she was the one. Their traditional wedding was attended by celebrities and close friends;including the late Akhumzi Jezile, Jessica Nkosi Samkelo Ndlovu, Khaya Mthethwa and many others.

HINTING

A close friend has since confirmed to ZiMoja that Nolwazi and Mzwandile have gone their separate ways. "Unfortunately, the divorce is true. It has been a while now. Nolwazi is even okay to talk about it," the friend said. Since their separation last year, which they have both kept private, Nolwazi has removed her wedding ring and changed her surname on social media platforms from Ngubeni to her maiden name, Shange. In December 2023, Nolwazi shared a cryptic message on her social media implying about starting the year 2024 on a clean slate. "I began the year by making one of the most difficult decisions of my life. Today, on the last day of 2023, I am equally proud and grateful. 2023 was a reassuring hug from the heavens. God has indeed been kind. Cheers to 2024 and the fulfillment of God's promise." she wrote.

Nolwazi and Mzwandile during their traditional wedding Picture: Supplied

CONFIRMED

Although Mzwandile did not wish to confirm the separation, Nolwazi told ZiMoja they are in the final stages of their divorce. "It's sad but yes we have gone our separate ways. We are in the final stages of the divorce," she said. Nolwazi added: "We have been together for 13 years with children and we came to the decision together to separate amicably. I mean this is a person I once loved and cared deeply for. I would never want to go into detail about what happened and paint him in a bad light. I always want him to be great and do well and hopefully one day, he finds love again and for me to move on," she added.

PROTECTING FAMILY

Being a private person, Nolwazi said she never wanted to even speak about her private life or share details on their marriage from the beginning. "But I understand that both of us are in the limelight and talking about it is part of the healing journey," she said. "I will always put my family first, my children, him, and protect what is close to me. With the divorce almost final, I am rebuilding. I have had time to cry," she added. " I have not completely healed but I am getting there. I am in a good place. I have support from family. My job now is never to shame him but to always protect his reputation and what is mine."